Chef de Cuisine Ranch House Restaurant

Welcome to Devil's Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa, a destination where your culinary career can thrive against the backdrop of 6,500 pristine acres in the Colorado Rockies. Recognized as a Top 10 Resort in the USA – Mountain West by Condé Nast Traveler's 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards, the Ranch is more than a workplace—it’s an opportunity to lead in a world-class hospitality environment rooted in sustainability, excellence, and nature’s beauty. At Ranch House Restaurant, we offer a refined dining experience grounded in rustic elegance, local ingredients, and seasonal innovation. We are seeking a passionate and experienced Chef de Cuisine to lead our kitchen, inspire our culinary team, and bring creative vision to every plate.

Principle Purpose of Job

The Chef de Cuisine is the creative and operational leader of the Ranch House kitchen, responsible for driving culinary excellence, leading a talented back-of-house team, and ensuring seamless execution of high-quality, seasonal cuisine.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage daily kitchen operations, ensuring consistency in food quality, presentation, and guest satisfaction.
• Mentor and supervise prep cooks, line cooks, and other BOH staff with clear direction, hands-on training, and accountability.
• Collaborate with the Executive Chef and broader culinary leadership on seasonal menu development, special events, and resort-wide initiatives.
• Design and execute daily specials, showcasing creativity and use of regional ingredients.
• Monitor and manage inventory, control food waste, and ensure proper food storage and labeling protocols.
• Uphold health and safety standards, including compliance with local codes and internal SOPs.
• Maintain accurate labor tracking and cost controls in alignment with budgetary goals.
• Partner with the Events Manager to ensure flawless execution of banquet and private dining experiences per BEOs.
• Participate in hiring, onboarding, and performance management for Ranch House kitchen staff.
• Step into broader resort culinary leadership duties in the absence of the Executive Chef.

• Culinary degree or equivalent professional experience preferred.
• Minimum of 3–5 years as a Sous Chef or Chef de Cuisine in an upscale, full-service restaurant or resort.
• Strong leadership background with at least 2 years of supervisory experience.
• Proficient in managing food and labor costs, P&L oversight, and operational planning.
• Experience with pastry, banquets, and seasonal menu development a plus.
• Excellent communication, organization, and time management skills.
• Ability to lead by example, mentor others, and maintain a calm, professional presence under pressure.
• Physically able to lift up to 75 pounds and be on your feet for extended periods.
• Passionate about hospitality, sustainability, and local sourcing.

Compensation Description:

$70,000 - $75,000/yr Competitive pay commensurate with education and experience. 

Benefits and Perks:

• 152 hours of Paid Time Off if FT, Year-Round employment status.
• Affordable furnished housing, if working a minimum of 35 hours/week or more.
• Health, Dental & Life & Vision Insurances, plus 401k Employer Match of up to $2,000 annually--if FT, Year-Round employment status.
• Employer-sponsored monthly events such as Avalanche, Rockies & Nuggets games, Zip-lining, Snow-tubing, Hiking, Bowling, Recreation Center, etc.
• Employer-sponsored Softball and Hockey leagues.
• Wellness Program opportunities including meditation, complimentary daily Yoga, trail running & mountain-biking workshops.
• 25% discounts at all Devil's Thumb Ranch restaurants, activities including Trail Rides, and Spa Treatments.
• Discounted Winter Park Ski Resort season pass (available annually in season) or 1/2 price Grand Park Rec Center Pass.
• Referral bonus of $250 if we hire someone you refer.

Due to the nature of our 24-hour operation, there is no guaranteed work schedule. Managers will try to accommodate specific schedule requests, but they are never guaranteed if business volume prohibits. 

The statements contained in this job description reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility. It should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences of relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.

Devil's Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.